Kathleen (Kay) Gebhardt, devout Catholic

Kathleen (Kay) Gebhardt, 85 years young, resident of Dagsboro, previously of Germantown, Md., passed away at her home after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by family and friends Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016. Born Aug. 17, 1931, in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., she was the daughter of the late James Brady Sr. and Kathleen (Walter) Brady.
Kay married her high school sweet heart, William (Bill) Gebhardt April 19, 1952. Kay was a founding member of Mother Seton Catholic Church in Germantown and worked as the church secretary until she moved to Delaware in 1990. Afterward, Kay worked as a secretary of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Bethany Beach until she retired in 2004
Kay was a strong supporter of Al-Anon. Together Kay and Bill helped to establish many new AA and Al-Anon groups during their long years of participation. Through her kindness, listening and wisdom, Kay helped many friends find support and peace while working the program.
Kay gave unselfishly from her heart to help with many social and civic organizations, including Gaithersburg HELP, Lord Baltimore Women's Club, Lionesses, the Red Hat Society, Sodality, various food banks and St. Vincent de Paul Society. She was a lector and eucharistic minister for St. Ann's Catholic Church. Kay also made time to collect shoes for Water Step (water for a thirsty world) and had the official title of shoe wrangler. She always dressed up, whether at a grandchild's sporting event, church, or McDonalds. She volunteered to read to the blind and was famous for modeling at fashion shows. She was a seasoned traveler and enjoyed traveling with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by husband William Gebhardt in 2005; son Steven Gebhardt in 2015; and brother James Brady in 2015. She is survived by sisters Peggy Rukstalis of Kingston, Pa., Pat Belsky of East Greenville, Pa., and Charlotte Azarovich of Pittston, Pa.; children Margie Wood and husband Larry of Dagsboro, Bill Gebhardt of Hazelton, Idaho, Paul Gebhardt and wife Beverly of Laurel, Md., Theresa Price and husband Bob of Brunswick, Md., Tom Gebhardt and wife Pam of Germantown, and Patti Allen and husband Joe of Frederick, Md,, John Gebhardt and wife Glenda of Winchester, Va.; and numerous cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Kay was always the best dressed and most coordinated, from her make up to her jewelry, to her shoes, to her purse, even including her umbrella. She loved her children, adored her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She had many, many friends whom she loved and they loved her. She was always available for a shoulder to cry on, provided a listening ear, and she had a wicked sense of humor. She will be greatly missed!
The family thanks Delaware Hospice for their loving care and support.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the Ocean View Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 38040 Muddy Neck Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 15, at St. Ann Catholic Church, 691 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach. Interment will be held privately at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Dagsboro.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Delaware Hospice or St. Vincent de Paul Society. Kay has requested that donations of non-perishable food items be brought to the funeral home or the church. These donations will be going to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.